Research has shown that hospitals see acquisitions as an opportunity to change the way they see themselves and do business within their industry. Hospital acquisitions come with a great amount of pressure and responsibility placed on HR leaders. Specifically, bringing the organization together by way of systems, people, and processes becomes priority. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences and perspectives of HR leaders who played prominent roles in the acquisition phases within hospitals in Southern California. Using a narrative inquiry design, 12 HR leaders shared their stories on the impact of hospital acquisitions on their roles and responsibilities. The interview questions were designed to draw attention to the what and the how of each lived experience. As participants told and re-told their stories, categories and patterns were gathered and analyzed. A manual process was used throughout the data analysis phase to identify common words and noticeable content. Key findings from this research study were (1) there is a need to make sure HR is incorporated in all phases of the acquisition (before, during, after), (2) there needs to be an open dialog about how HR work collides with versus collaborates with the work in other areas, (3) competing priorities are a natural component of HR workload, (4) a high volume of transactional work is necessary during times of change, such as a hospital acquisition, (5) more employee relations are created than resolved, and (6) HR day-to-day activities are unpredictable even in times outside of a hospital acquisition.

I dedicate this dissertation to family and friends that have provided me unconditional love and support. It was not always easy to deal with me during this journey, so thank you for understanding and being patient. I especially dedicate this achievement to my grandmother, Mrs. Florence Gleason, who will always be my source of strength and inspiration. She transitioned from this life on September 11, 2016 at 98 years old. I did not think I would make it given my grief was so heavy. I kept going because that is what she always said to do. Granny Goose, I kept going and know that you are proud.
To my son, Norman G. Simplis, IV you are my greatest test and testimony. As you grow into your own, know that I love you and that you are a king, created to do great things. To my mother, Sharon K. Walker, thank you. You have never stopped believing in me and have always supported me. Thank you for always making my load lighter whenever and however you could. To my sister, LaShun thank you for being both my friend and big sis. Thank you for always listening to my rants (and there were lots of them). To my brothers, Bill, Ryan, and Phillip, I pray that you remain covered by God’s grace and mercy. To my BFF, Lorna May no words are ever necessary between us (A/S).
To my three nieces, Kyla, Malia, and Raquel and three nephews, Tahir, Tariq, and Taaj auntie loves you very much. I hope you grow up to accomplish great things. I pray that this life and world are kind to you as you grow up. To my PC. He knows what that means. Thank you, Sammy P. Darling, II for staying connected to this journey and to me.
I know it wasn’t always easy, but I appreciate your support.

Acknowledgements:

I would be remiss if I did not say thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would never have made it this far. In my weakest moments, He was there. When I needed strength, He was there. When I could not feel Him, hear Him, draw from Him, He sent angels to carry me just a little bit further. Mark 11:24 (KJV) reads: “Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” I stood on this promise, and stand victorious in this moment. Thank you, Father.
Enitra Claybrooks and Gina Serutine you are two of those angels. We met on this doctoral journey and became sisters bonded by our faith, friendship and frustrations. I am so proud to call you friend and happy we are celebrating this accomplishment together. Congratulations to you as well Dr. Claybrooks and Dr. Serutine! Dr. Stacy Harrison, you too are an angel. I cannot believe you finished before us (lol), but we did it! I appreciate your words, your examples, but most of all your friendship. #2017DoctoralJourniesCompleted!
To my Resurrection Church LA angels, Yolanda M. Brown and Kim Wright, thank you just does not seem like enough. I am so appreciative that you taught me and required me to change my narratives. You would not let me speak negatively and demanded that I face every challenge with faith. Thank you for always reminding me that God can do anything but fail. Dr. Afia Hemphill, Dr. Keena Mosley, Dr. Gloria Morrow all of you have been incredible examples for me. Thank you for being so encouraging and leading by example. To my pastor, Joseph Carlos Robinson, so many of your
messages/teachings carried me through. So many of your words touched and transformed my life in ways that kept me spiritually grounded throughout this journey. Thank you for allowing me to share in your vision. We are an army of Spirit-filled believers who rise above the challenges of life!
Dr. Libby Lewis and Dr. Marchella Shipp, God sent you to me at just the right times, every time. Thank you for your prayers, support, and belief that I could do this. Dr. Kristal Walker, your Iron Sharpens Iron conferences in 2016 and 2017 surrounded me with strong women of God, including yourself and the wonderful Pastor Natalie Owens. Thank you both for being obedient. Had you not, our paths may not have crossed. Yvette McNamee, all I can say is to God be the glory! You are truly a gift to the body of Christ. Because of you, I met Dr. Walker, Dr. Shipp, and Pastor Owens. You have no idea how these women have enriched my life in such a short time. I am connected to you, you to them, us all to God. Look how that works. Powerful!
I would like to recognize my chair, Dr. Marianne Greenfield and committee members, Dr. Clea Hollis and Dr. Leslie Huffman thank you for staying with me through it all. I am eternally grateful that the three of you could tolerate me [smiles] and work together to ensure I made it until the end. Finally, thank you to all my participants and professional supporters. Being able to give your stories a voice has been an incredible gift to me. This journey would not have been complete without all of you. Peace and blessings….